Parade

Cue the nostalgia: Who else grew up carrying around edible belts known as Airheads?

The beloved candy brand dates back to the 1980s, and in honor of its 40th birthday, Airheads is introducing an all-new product that will roll out to retailers nationwide this winter.

Per a recent press release by its parent company Perfetti Van Melle, the Xtremes Mega Bites is just the latest example of Airheads' knack for "innovation" and will feature two flavors in every bite. Check out a preview image of the new offering below.

(Perfetti Van Melle)

After embracing the sour-candy craze in the early 2000s by launching Airheads Xtremes, the upcoming Mega Bites mark the brand's first new candy since 2024's Airheads Sour Bars, Allrecipes reports.

The sour candies — which will reportedly register in the "middle" of Airheads' sour scale — will be sold in 5.5-ounce bags, with a variety of flavors included in each. Millennials and beyond, do we have your attention?

Airheads were first introduced in 1986 and ultimately carved out its own cultural lane by the early '90s with its iconic ads featuring irreverent humor and the candy's unmistakable texture.

"Airheads has always celebrated individuality and not taking yourself too seriously," said Perfetti Van Melle brand director Chris Borges in a statement. "Especially in the '90s, it became part of how kids connected, traded and expressed themselves."

In 2024, the Sour Bars quickly gained traction with consumers, tapping into growing demand for sour candy with a bold balance of sweet and tangy flavor that's becoming a go-to for fans, per Perfetti Van Melle.

And going back to the nostalgia — it's hard to picture a time before social media these days, when kids across the U.S. were expressing themselves through bold flavors, neon colors and playful weirdness. Airheads were certainly a key player in that era.

Since 2000, Hollywood has released quite a few cinematic hits. However, some 21st-century films deserve more recognition than others.

In December 2025, Collider released the publication's list of the "100 Greatest Movies of the 21st Century." The ranking's 10 top movies included In the Mood for Love from 2000, 2004's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2010's The Social Network, 2008's The Dark Knight, Inglourious Basterds from 2009, No Country for Old Men, released in 2007, Mulholland Drive from 2001, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, also released in 2001, and 2019's Parasite.

2015's post-apocalyptic film, Mad Max: Fury Road, secured the list's top spot. According to the publication, the fourth Mad Max film took home the title of the best movie from the 21st century because it's action-packed, has incredible imagery, and an important story.

The Film's Director, George Miller, Revealed Why Tom Hardy Was Cast as Max Rockatansky

The co-creator of the Mad Max franchise, George Miller, discussed taking on writing and directing Mad Max: Fury Road in a 2015 interview with Vice. Miller noted that Mad Max: Fury Road famously used practical effects, making it even more immersive for the audience.

"This is a movie that's real vehicles and real people and real desert. It had to be old school. There no flying humans. It's not a green screen movie. So, we had to shoot it for real. And I think that makes the movie feel very, very authentic and, all the action and so on. Everything you see on the screen happened," said Miller, now 81, to Vice.

Miller also explained how he chose Tom Hardy to replace Mel Gibson as Max Rockatansky. As fans of the franchise are aware, Gibson originated the character and played him in Mad Max (1979), Mad Max 2 (1981), and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985). Miller said that Hardy, like Gibson, has charisma, while "having elements of danger and mystery," which are necessary traits to play Max.

"For characters who don't say much, you need to be see a lot of stuff going on inside. And he was the first one who walked through the door that reminded me of Mel, 30 years before," said Miller during the Vice interview.

In 1978, a song written for one of the biggest films of the decade became a chart-topping success in its own right.

"If I Can't Have You," performed by Yvonne Elliman, rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place as a defining hit of the disco era.

The track was written by the legendary songwriting trio Bee Gees, who were at the height of their influence at the time. Originally crafted for the blockbuster film Saturday Night Fever, the song became part of the movie's iconic soundtrack, an album that would go on to become one of the best-selling of all time.

Elliman's version, featured prominently on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, delivered a powerful and emotional take on heartbreak, pairing soaring vocals with a danceable disco rhythm. Her performance gave the song a unique identity, allowing it to stand alongside the Bee Gees' own hits from the film.

"I really loved 'If I Can’t Have You,' but I liked it that the song wasn't typically disco as I wasn't a huge disco fan,” Elliman said in a 2011 interview. "The disco thing was fun, but it was glittery and I wasn't into glitter. I was really into classic rock, my jeans and my guitar."

Interestingly, the Bee Gees also recorded their own version of "If I Can’t Have You," releasing it as the B-side to their smash single "Stayin' Alive." Despite their global dominance at the time, it was Elliman's rendition that captured the spotlight and climbed to the top of the charts.

"I remember getting in the car and hearing it on the radio," Elliman told Popmatters. "I had to pull over to the side of the road because it was number one. It was a tremendous high."

The song's success highlighted the Bee Gees' extraordinary songwriting ability, proving their compositions could become hits even when performed by other artists.

"We had five songs in the top 10 in America," said Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, reflecting on the group's work for Saturday Night Fever. "We had three songs in the top five in America. And you can't ask for any more than that."

More than four decades later, "If I Can’t Have You" remains a staple of the disco era, remembered for its emotional intensity and infectious groove.

What began as a song written for a movie ultimately became a No. 1 hit and a timeless disco classic that continues to define an unforgettable moment in music history.

Related: 1970 Timeless Classic, Originally a Major Flop, Became a No. 1 Hit

One of Beyond the Gates biggest breakout characters is Leslie ‘Dana’ Thomas. Now Trisha Mann-Grant is explaining why she views the controversial character differently than many viewers do.

Mann-Grant recently spoke with Soaps.com reporter Charlie Mason about her first season on the soap opera and the ‘craziness’ that Leslie has brought to Fairmont Crest.

During the interview, the topic turned to how Leslie hid her daughter Eva Thomas’ (Ambyr Michelle) paternity from her father for her entire life. Despite Leslie’s actions, Mann-Grant said viewers should remember that “Leslie is also a victim.”

Mann-Grant also said she does not fully view Leslie as a narcissist, noting that narcissist often refuse accountability and believe everyone else is to blame.

Instead, Mann-Grant believes Lesslie avoids confronting painful truths about herself. “If you were to pull back all those layers and get to her true heart, maybe she does know [why she acts out], but she does not want to admit it,” she said.

She added the Leslie “does not want to come to terms with the truth, because then the truth will slap her upside her big head and make her realize she's been wrong about so many things that she's done.”

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Since the soap’s debut, Leslie has been at the center of major drama. She hid Eva’s paternity from Ted Richardson (originally Maurice Johnson and now Keith D. Robinson), targeted Laura Peterson (Destiny Love) and attempted to kill her, more than once, manipulated her daughters path into the Richardson family, and worked to destroy Ted’s marriage.  

Mann-Grants professional credits began in 2000 with an apperance on the feature film Retiring Tatiana. From there her first television apperance occured in 2003 on 'The Parkers.' In addition to Beyond the Gates, Mann-Grant also has a role on Carl Weber's The Family Business where she portrays the role of Dominique Leroux.

Viewers can check out the series from the beginning on Paramount Plus or on Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel.

New episodes of Beyond the Gates air weekdays on CBS with episodes streaming weeknights on Paramount Plus.

Kendra Elliot has become a successful writer with millions of books sold. However, it might surprise her fans to learn that she didn’t start writing her first novel until she was nearly 40 years old. Now, a fan favorite book series of hers, the Mercy Kilpatrick series, is ranked as the most “Epic Thriller Series” on Goodreads.

On her website, Elliot explains that her decision to try writing a novel was sparked by re-reading Diana Gabaldon’s books. “I loved how satisfied and content I felt at the end. A sign of great storytelling. Could I provide that experience for a reader? I sat down and spent six months writing a contemporary romance,” she recalled.

That first book Elliot wrote wasn’t the one that made her a published author, though. She reveals that it was her third manuscript, Hidden, that became her first published book. It was released in 2012.

Now, Elliot has published over 25 novels, released several novellas, sold over 14 million books, and even had the Kilpatrick book series nearly head to television.

She admits, “I wouldn’t trade this career for anything, and I count my blessings every day, thankful that readers have embraced my books."

The first book in Elliot’s Kilpatrick series is titled A Merciful Death and was published in 2017. When she wrapped it up, the Kirkpatrick series initially consisted of six books.

However, fans begged for more. Elliot later published In the Pines and At the River featuring Kilpatrick, as a result of feedback from fans.

Elliot has published several different book series that connect characters and universes from one to the next. In fact, her Kilpatrick series isn’t the first of those.

She shared on Goodreads that if one wants to read all of her series in order, readers should start with her Bone Secrets book series.

Next would come the books based on her Mason Callahan and Ava McLane characters, and then the Kilpatrick series.

After that, there’s Elliot’s Columbia River series. Those six books feature a mixture of her existing characters.

Kilpatrick and Truman Daly are featured in two of the Columbia River books, In the Pines and At the River, while McLane and Callahan return for The Silence.

In The Last Sister, FBI Special Agent Zander Wells leads the way after being introduced to readers in the Callahan and McLane books.

In a question and answer session on Goodreads several years ago, Elliot noted, “The plot of each book is a standalone, but [reading them in order] will help with knowing the backstory of the characters.”

Her novel Echo Road is a standalone book that should be read anytime after the Kilpatrick series, Elliot noted. She co-wrote the book with fellow author Melinda Leigh, pairing Kilpatrick with Leigh’s character of Bree Taggert together.

Since the debut of Echo Road, the pair has also released 10 Rogue River novellas. Those novellas feature sisters Stevie and Carly Taylor.

Another series offshoot is Elliot's Noelle Marshall series of novels. Marshall was first introduced to readers in the Columbia River series.

Another series, Elliot's Widow’s Island, consists of 10 books featuring a new character, FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde.

One fan who has read many of Elliot's books noted in the Thriller Books subreddit, "I really like her stuff...I like the character development and the story lines are intriguing."

In a Facebook group for book lovers, one fan declared, "If you're looking for an author who never misses, can we talk about Kendra Elliot for a second?"

They added, "I'm honestly blown away by how she keeps the suspense fresh, the characters addictive, and the twists impossible to predict."

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

When furniture lovers look back on 2026, they may remember it as the year of the boneless couch. The trend has been taking off in a big way, as shoppers embrace the soft, unstructured loungers that basically blur the line between sofas and jumbo pillows. The Neche Corduroy Folding Sofa Bed offers a similar vibe in a more compact form.

That might be just the thing if you're looking to add extra seating to your home, but lack space for an actual sofa. This hybrid checks all of the boxes, combining classic style with unmatched support. Normally $160 at Walmart, the navy version is now on sale for just $70. You can also score black and white versions for $80 and a gray version for $86.

Neche Folding Sofa Bed, From $70 (was $160) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

The beauty of the boneless design is that it's very much a set-it-and-forget-it situation. The product arrives tightly sealed in a single box. Simply break the seal to release the couch, which begins to expand in seconds. Give it a good pat and wait about 48 hours for it to reach its full form. There's absolutely no assembly required, a key reason people have gravitated to the trend.

The sofa also happens to be incredibly plush and supportive. It's the ultimate comfort ecosystem, with a headrest and lumbar pillow included for cushioning that feels great whether you're kicking back with a book or lying down for a nap. Both pieces conform to your natural shape, creating an almost personalized feel when you sit or recline.

Boneless structures maintain a sense of stability despite their lack of framework. This Walmart option is a great example, with thick shredded foam creating a firm and substantial base on which to relax. The material is covered with rich corduroy, known for its distinctive ribbed appearance. "This sofa bed is amazing," one shopper wrote. "It's incredibly comfortable and soft!"

Related: Walmart’s $179 Gazebo Is 'Sturdy' and 'Easy to Assemble' — Perfect for Backyard Summer Hangouts

"I really like this chair," another person said. "I wanted something I could easily move from room to room for my kiddo or dog and it's perfect. It's slightly heavy, but well worth it given how comfy it is since it's made of foam."

You can't put a price on your comfort, but you definitely don't have to spend a fortune on it either. Pick up the Neche Folding Sofa Bed for as little as $70 (that's a savings of $90!) at Walmart. Don't miss it while it's available in your preferred color!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Bianca Censori is always one snapped thread away from encoring her stunning nearly-nude 2025 Grammys look. And, clearly, that is by design. 

On Friday night, the Aussie architect and significant other of hip-hop mogul Kanye Westonce again went out on the town in a racy ensemble with her husband in tow. 

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Bianca Censori spills out of bodysuit during date night with Kanye West https://t.co/K3XxtwkFlk pic.twitter.com/RMmr8RfMk9

— Page Six (@PageSix) April 26, 2026

In images obtained by Page Six, Censori, 31, is seen rocking an extremely low-cut nude-metallic bodysuit with no bra and shiny silver tights. She wearas her straight brunette hair down, her glam bronzed and smoky, and because of her lack of support wear, she leaves very little to the imagination up top and even risks a wardrobe oopsie along the way. 

The Bully rapper, 48, looked to be in great spirits, as he was snapped breaking a smile from time to time. The two chilled on a chaise in the dimly lit lounge of the iconic Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, engaging in conversation with each other and an unnamed person.

Censori remains a paparazzo's dream with fashion choices that run the gamut from risqué and risky to conservative and chic.

Earlier this month, she attended a Kanye concert in a head-turning sky-blue catsuit, following her March appearance at an L.A. courthouse in a buttoned-up cardigan and pencil skirt. She was ordered to appear in court for West’s Malibu mansion court case, for which he was ordered to pay $140,000 to his former contractor.

Beyond the fashion scene, Censori has been in the headlines lately for making her music video directorial debut with visuals for West’s single “Father” featuring rapper Travis Scott.

Related: Married NFL Head Coach and Sports Reporter Get Handsy at Luxury Hotel

Kate Bushmight be known for the '70s and '80s era, but one of her most iconic songs didn't reach its peak on the music charts until 2022.

37 years after it was initially released, 1985's "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" soared to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking its highest chart placement ever. The song only ever reached No. 30 when it first came out, but it's still regarded as one of the best songs of the '80s, according to Rolling Stone.

In 2023, the outlet published a roundup of the 200 Best Songs of the '80s, crowning Bush's "Running Up That Hill" as No. 9 on the list.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

The song was introduced to a whole new generation of fans in 2022, after it was famously featured in Season 4 of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. Bush's haunting voice and the track's pulse-like melody served as the backdrop to some of the most tense moments during the season, specifically involving Sadie Sink's character, Max Mayfield.

View this post on Instagram

Bush, 67, previously gushed over the use of her song in the Stranger Things soundtrack, stating in a 2022 interview with BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, It's such a great series. I thought the track would get some attention, but I never imagined it would be anything like this."

"What’s really wonderful is that this is a whole new audience who, in many cases, have never heard of me before," she added at the time. "The thought of young people discovering the song for the first time is very special."

A similar situation went down with Tiffany's 1987 hit "I Think We're Alone Now" was featured in the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. The track experienced a major resurgence after the season aired in late 2025, rising to the No. 1 spot on Shazam music charts in December 2025.

Related: 1980 New Wave Rock Anthem Became a No. 1 Hit 46 Years Ago Today

If you’re connecting with someone in a meaningful way or attending an important event, you may find yourself playing it out beforehand. You might carefully choose an outfit, come up with some talking points and visualize how it might go. It’s something that we all do, especially if it’s difficult or something that you consider to be high stakes. 

But some of us actually rehearse conversations in our heads before they take place. Part of this can be considered our “inner monologue,” which many of us have. Essentially, we’re constantly narrating our day through our thoughts, and this may include some rehearsing. According to research done by Russell Hurlburt, 30 to 50% of people have what is considered to be a consistent inner monologue. 

People who rehearse conversations in their minds can carry certain traits, although these traits don’t necessarily apply to everyone who does this. As licensed psychologist Linda Baggett, Ph.D. puts it, “I want to emphasize that there is nuance to this. It is not as simple as if you rehearse conversations, you definitely have these traits—it's more, you might have these traits.”

To learn about these potential traits that are associated with rehearsing conversations in your head, read on. 

Related: 5 Surprising Conversation Starters That Will Instantly Make You Sound Classy, According to an Etiquette Expert

What Does Psychology Say About People Who Rehearse Conversations?

Dr. Baggett says that it’s actually very normal to rehearse conversations in your head, especially when you don't feel entirely confident in your communication skills or when your experiences have taught you that difficult conversations lead to harm, shame and/or disconnection. 

“There isn't any one thing that this means about a person,” she says. “It could be someone who is thoughtful and wants to consider what they say before they say it, or a person who is a trauma survivor trying to overcome anxiety about difficult conversations, or someone trying to recover from people-pleasing or someone who came from a dysfunctional family who is trying to learn healthy communication skills for the first time.”

If you tend to rehearse obsessively and it seems to be beyond your control, Dr. Baggett says that this could be a sign of anxiety or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). 

If this is the case, Dr. Baggett says that therapy can be incredibly beneficial for helping people overcome anxiety about conversations, whether that is due to social anxiety, fear of disappointing or upsetting others, low self-esteem or simply never having learned healthy communication skills.

“In short, rehearsing conversations can be an effective, healthy, normal strategy to make conversations go as well as possible or a side effect of anxiety or some other difficulty,” she summarizes.  

Related: People Who Instantly Overanalyze Their Social Interactions Often Share These 9 Traits, Psychologists Explain

8 Common Traits of People Who Rehearse Conversations, According to a Psychologist1. You’re anxious

As mentioned, rehearsing conversations could be a signal that you’re dealing with anxiety. Dr. Baggett explains, “You might be a person who worries about saying the wrong thing or upsetting someone.” 

Related: How To Stop Worrying That Someone Is Mad at You, According to a Psychologist

2. You’re thoughtful

“You put a lot of thought into your interactions with others to avoid misunderstandings,” Dr. Baggett says. 

3. You’re sensitive

Overall, you just might be “a person who's really sensitive to the feelings and perceptions of others, as well as sensitive to feelings of rejection or invalidation by others,” Dr. Bagget says.

Related: 11 Phrases To Use if Someone Says You're 'Too Sensitive' 

4. You care

You may rehearse conversations simply because you care about the person on the other side of the conversation. Dr. Baggett says, “You care a great deal about your relationships and want conversations to go as smoothly as possible for everyone.” 

5. You’re a people-pleaser

We’re all guilty of people-pleasing at times, and rehearsing conversations can be part of this. Dr. Baggett says that you may fear disappointing others, and so conversations that might disappoint or upset someone feel stressful. 

Related: If You Can’t Relax When Someone Is Upset With You, a Psychotherapist Says You Probably Possess These 9 Traits

6. You’re a trauma survivor

“For survivors of any kind of abuse or neglect, feeling vulnerable in relationships is scary because you were hurt in relationships,” Dr. Baggett shares. “Additionally, healthy communication skills aren't taught or modeled in abusive environments.”

7. You lack confidence

You might not feel exactly confident when it comes to your communication skills. 

“Even if you're confident in other areas, if you are rehearsing conversations on a regular basis, you might not feel as confident in your communication skills as you'd like,” Dr. Baggett says.

8. You’re a cycle-breaker

Dr. Baggett says that if you have a legacy of conflict, dysfunction and unhealthy communication in your family, you might be having to put a great deal of effort and practice toward learning and mastering healthy communication skills. She calls this “cycle-breaking.”

Related: 10 Things Confident People *Always* Do in a Conversation

Daniel de la Hoz/Getty Images

How To Feel More Confident About Conversations

In general, Dr. Baggett believes that rehearsing conversations is helpful, so long as it is thoughtful preparation and practice and not just ruminating and worrying. 

“It can be helpful to think through what your goal for the conversation is and make sure it's a goal in your control—in other words, you can't make another person respond in a certain way, but you can achieve a goal of speaking up for yourself, asking for what you need or sharing your feelings.” 

Related: 8 Phrases To Repeat to Yourself When You're Feeling Anxious, According to a Therapist

To feel more confident, Dr. Baggett is partial to what she calls the “DEAR MAN” skill for having difficult conversations. It’s a skill taken from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and it’s an acronym: “D is for describing the situation objectively, E is for expressing your feelings and perspectives using ‘I’ statements, A is for asserting yourself (either asking for what you need or saying no to a request), R is for reinforcing to the other person how it will benefit you both if the other person can comply with your request or boundary, M is for staying mindful and on topic, A is for appearing confident and N is for negotiating if needed,” she details. 

She also recommends doing some mindfulness exercises before the conversation if you are feeling stressed about it. 

“During the conversation, it is always helpful to pause and take a deep breath or two if needed,” she says. “You can take your time and you can ask the other person to give you a minute to think.” 

Up Next:

Related: 10 Phrases To Effectively Start a Conversation, According to Psychologists

Sources:

• Linda Baggett, Ph.D., licensed psychologist.
• Psychology Today: “How Inner Monologues Work, and Who Has Them”

Countless 1980s films, like Back to the Future, The Princess Bride, and E.T., have remained beloved among movie enthusiasts. However, other just as well-made films from the '80s have lost cultural relevance. For instance, in January 2026, the publicationCollider released a list of "10 '80s movies that are genuinely perfect but no one remembers."

The ranking featured films like 1984's Top Secret!, The Hidden from 1987, Angel Heart, also released in 1987, and Clean and Sober from 1988.

The Right Stuff, released in 1983, was named the number one most perfect '80s film "no one remembers." According to the publication, the Philip Kaufman-directed film is masterful in its portrayal of the Project Mercury astronauts in the late '50s and early '60s.

The Right Stuff has a score of 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Philip Kaufman Shared His Thoughts About the Real-Life Chuck Yeager, Played by Sam Shepard, in the 1983 Film

While speaking to the American Film Institute, actor Ed Harris, who played famed astronaut John Glenn in The Right Stuff, noted that the 1983 film was "based on the Tom Wolfe novel about the beginnings of the mercury space program in America, the original seven astronauts and how that all came about." He also referenced that the movie centers on Air Force officer Chuck Yeager, "who was the first man who broke the sound barrier."

In a 1983 interview with CBSSunday Morning, Kaufman said that Yeager, who died in 2020 at the age of 96, had "the right stuff" that made him an excellent test pilot.

"He was a man, who not only did it, but talked about it in his own way, in his own style, and, you know, live dangerously and with a sense of humor," said the director during the interview.

Yeager had a brief cameo in the movie and served as its chief technical consultant. During the 1983 CBS Sunday Morning interview, he explained that he "just wanted to make sure that was done accurately."

"I think it's pretty educational really. It tells it the way it was," said Yeager, played by Sam Shepard in the film.

Harlan Coben, the "master of domestic suspense" who was the first writer to win all three of mystery literature’s biggest awards, just named his favorite books right now. Topping his list? A twisty thriller that has all the makings of a Coben classic.

It comes from Australian writer Sally Hepworth and was one of the most anticipated novels of the year before its April 21 release. The follow-up to her outstanding previous novels, Darling Girls, The Soulmate, and The Younger Wife, Mad Mabel should be at the top of your springtime reading list. 

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

View this post on Instagram

The story centers on Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, an 81-year-old grouch with a dark secret: She was once Australia’s youngest convicted murderer. Now living alone in a Melbourne neighborhood, her carefully buried past begins to resurface when a neighbor turns up dead. As police start sniffing around and a curious little girl new to the area begins asking questions, Elsie finds herself under increasing scrutiny — forced to confront the truth she’s spent a lifetime trying to keep hidden.

"Sally Hepworth is a huge star in Australia,” Coben said during his visit to the TODAY show earlier this month. “This is the book that's going to make her a huge star here," adding that the book is “funny, twisty, and suspenseful.”

The title also tops the most recent list of readers’ picks on Goodreads, with editors saying, you’ll love the book if you like “dual-timeline structures, intricate narrative puzzles, and surprisingly powerful emotional payoffs.”

Weaving together two timelines — past and present — Hepworth’s 10th novel culminates in a “stunning conclusion.” One that lingers long after the final page.

Mad Mabel is available at bookshop.org.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s Novel Fueled by Radiohead Ranked No. 1 ‘Best Plot Twist’ of All Time

It seems like history is repeating itself—at least for Karoline Leavitt. The Press Secretary gave birth to her first child, Niko, just days before the first assassination attempt on Donald Trump’s life. And now, just one day after announcing her maternity leave, nine-months-pregnant Leavitt is back at work (sort of) following a third attempt. 

Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, from left, Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defense, Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, and US First Lady Melania Trump during a news conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US on Saturday, April 25, 2026. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Association dinner event in Washington Saturday following a security incident at the venue. Photographer: Daniel Heuer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

While she’s not standing in front of a press corps, Leavitt did recently make a statement on social media about the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Following a chaotic evening where shots were fired and a suspect, Cole Tomas Allen (31), was subdued and arrested, Leavitt posted photos of the event on Instagram. 

Along with a red-carpet pic with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, she also included images of herself standing with Donald and Melania Trump, smiling and speaking with the First Lady, watching the aftermath on a television screen with the President, in what appears to be a meeting of senior officials, and standing near the podium as Trump speaks about the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting.

What did the soon-to-be mom of two have to say about the terrifying events of the evening? Leavitt explains, on Instagram, “What was supposed to be a fun night with President Trump delivering jokes and celebrating free speech was hijacked by a depraved anti-Trump lunatic who sought to assassinate the President and kill as many top Trump administration officials as possible.”

View this post on Instagram

She continues, “I was with the President and the First Lady back stage after we were quickly ushered to safety by Secret Service.” Leavitt went on to praise the President and thank the law enforcement officers, adding, “This political violence needs to end.” 

Leavitt has drawn criticism for what is now an infamously omniscient quote from a pre-event interview with Fox News. “This speech tonight will be classic Donald J. Trump. It’ll be funny, it’ll be entertaining. There will be some shots fired tonight in the room.” Of course, Leavitt wasn’t talking about literal shots at the time. But as the events unfolded, the soundbite went viral, turning into an almost eerie prediction.

As it turns out, her Fox News interview wouldn’t be the only statement to make waves. Comments on Leavitt’s recent Instagram post were mixed. While some fans of the press secretary sent their well wishes, writing, “So glad you are all safe” and, “Can’t even imagine doing that while pregnant. Please be careful,” others had a very different view. 

One commenter wrote, “The violence must end, and this administration must end the division it has caused in this country and around the world,” and another took a somewhat softer approach, posting, “This administration caused the division, but that doesn’t mean trying to harm the president and his people is the answer.” 

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you always like to be prepared for wherever the day takes you, you may need more than a small purse to keep all your essentials by your side. Whether you’re running errands, trekking through a new city, or heading to work, a tote bag is a great carryall. Looking to add one to your bag collection? Amazon’s Covelin Tote Bag is a fantastic option. It’s just as chic as it is practical and has racked up over 16,300 five-star ratings!  

There’s no better time than right now to snag this tote bag because it’s currently on sale for less than $15. Normally retailing for $20, it’s now marked down to as low as $12! This bag is available in 31 styles, including three colors with leopard print, and 28 solid hues. The best deal is on the tomato red version, while the other bags are on sale for either $13 and $14, which is still a buzzworthy price. 

Covelin Tote Bag, From $12 (was $20) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Designed so you can go anywhere hands-free, this tote bag boasts an extremely spacious interior. Measuring 15.5 inches tall, 14.1 inches wide, and 3.5 inches deep, it should be able to fit your everyday essentials with extra room to spare. A reviewer said that they were able to fit a laptop, a water bottle, a paperback book, a light sweater, and a few snacks inside this bag! 

The interior is fixed with two slip pockets where you can store your small and loose items to keep your bag tidy and organized. These pockets will allow you to easily access your necessities (think: phone, wallet, and keys) rather than digging through the main compartment. 

Made of canvas, this bag has a soft feel and relaxed silhouette. Several shoppers raved about its top-notch quality and durability. Some reviewers even mentioned that they’ve had this bag for multiple years and it’s still holding up really well! The bag is complete with a zippered closure, ensuring that all your belongings remain safe and secure. 

Covelin Tote Bag, From $12 (was $20) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The versatility of this tote bag is unmatched. Roomy enough to fit a laptop and then some, this bag is ideal for work or school. It’s also great for travel, whether you use it as a personal item while flying or as a weekender bag on road trips. This is also a bag that you can reach for every day and bring along while you run errands and roam around town. 

There are a variety of ways that you can carry this bag. The strap has a 15.7-inch drop, allowing you to comfortably sling the bag across your body. You can also drape it down one side of your body, carrying it as a shoulder bag. The length of the strap is adjustable, so you can also shorten it and wear it as a tote bag. Many shoppers said that the strap felt very comfortable on their shoulders. 

Related: Coach Outlet Has So Many ‘Iconic’ Bag Charms That Add ‘Personality’ to Any Purse

One reviewer described this bag as “very spacious and so chic.” Another shopper said that it’s “perfect for travel, the beach, or a casual day around town.” A third shopper commented that it’s “very versatile and pretty” and added that they “use it daily.”

Shop More Deals 

• Bagsmart Crossbody Puffer Bag, From $15 (was $20) at Amazon
• Lovevook Faux-Leather Hobo Bag, From $37 (was $50) at Amazon
• Kkxiu Faux-Leather Shoulder Bag, From $22 (was $30) at Amazon

Versatile, stylish, and practical, the Covelin Tote Bag might just be the thing you reach for every time you leave the house. Don’t hesitate to snag one at Amazon while it’s on sale for as low as $12!

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Two days after audio from the Season 10 Summer Housereunion leaked online, Bravo has issued a statement announcing the conclusion of its internal investigation.

Bravo shared the statement across its official social media platforms. Where the network said, “An investigation into the recent leak of the Summer House reunion audio has concluded that the audio was unauthorized recording and distrusted by an individual involved in the production of the reunion. As a result of the findings, appropriate action has been taken. There is no evidence that any member of the cast was involved in the recording of the audio.”

Bravo added, “We take these matters seriously and will continue to take appropriate measures to respond to the unauthorized distribution of our content.”

Bravo also said additional audio clips may be circulating and cautioned fans and platforms against posting, sharing or amplifying any unauthorized materials.

View this post on Instagram

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

The reunion is expected to address the season’s headline-making love triangle between West Wilson, Amanda Batula, and Ciara Miller.

The reunion was filmed on April 23, 2026. During production, Bravo shared the seating chart on Instagram, fueling anticipation among viewers.

View this post on Instagram

Following filming, reunion host Andy Cohen, said that although he has hosted more than 100 reality TV reunions, this one was among the most intense.

“This was a lot,” Cohen said. “It was very intense, you guys.”

Cohen also teased what was to come, adding, “every question was asked.”

Bravo originally announced the investigation on April 24, in a statement released on social media sharing, “The Summer House Reunion audio leak represents a serious breach of trust and a clear lack of respect for the cast, crew, and the integrity of the production process.”

The network explained how it was taking the matter seriously and they would be taking the appropriate actions based on the results of the investigation.

The reunion is expected to begin airing on May 26, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.

In the original 1982 movie Poltergeist, the Freeling family faces many terrifying scenes, including the abduction of their youngest child Carol Anne by TV ghosts and her subsequent rescue. However, it's another scene in particular that still haunts viewers to this day. It's the famed Poltergeist clown scene (IYKYK) that comes amid the anxiety-inducing finale of the movie. This chilling clown scene from Poltergeist ranks as one of scariest horror movie scenes of all time.

In their ranking of “10 of the Most Iconic Horror Movie Scenes of All Time,” Collider ranks "Robbie's Clown Doll" scene the third scariest scene. On their scale of scary, the scene beats out some creepy competition, including "Drew Barrymore's Demise" in Scream (1996), Jack Nicholson's infamous "Here's Johnny!" scene in The Shining (1980), and the Chucky "No Batteries" scene in Child's Play (1980), among others.

If you grew up in the ’80s, chances are the iconic clown scene is still fresh in your mind, but for everyone else, let's recap the horrid moment. Poor 8-year-old Robbie Freeling (played by Oliver Robins) is afraid of clowns, or at least one particular clown doll that creepily lounges in a chair in his bedroom. In the movie's pivotal scene, Robbie's clown fears become a reality on a final dark and stormy night.

Because young Robbie has already been completely terrorized in his family's haunted house where they just saved his little sister from television ghosts (and, you know, decided to stay just one more night), Robbie isn't sleeping so well, especially with that extraordinarily creepy clown doll staring maniacally at him. He tries to throw his jacket over the clown, but it falls. Brave kid that he is, though, he tries to roll over and get some sleep.

Robbie soon jolts awake when he hears a thump. He's so afraid to look in the clown's direction, but he knows he's gotta look in order to soothe his fears. Of course, when he looks, the chair is empty and clown is not there! [Cue a lifetime of nightmares.] Robbie, ever determined to be a brave boy decides to check under his bed. One side of the bed at a time! He can't breathe through the fear and neither can viewers. But phew, nothing there ... until he comes back up and that psycho clown literally grabs Robbie and drags him kicking and screaming under the bed.

[Cue the smelling salts, all viewers are now officially cooked for much longer than a lifetime.]

Related: 1979 Movie’s Opening Scene Still Haunts a Generation—Now It’s Ranked One of the Most Terrifying Ever

The scene works for a number of reason—the first being that clown and his freaky face! But also the filmmakers build toward the pivotal scene the entire movie, pausing several times around Robbie's typical childhood fears. In fact, by tapping into so many very relatable childhood fears (the dark, clowns, monsters under the bed, things that go bump in the night), the scene really nails it. The filmmakers use their suspense skills and all of our childhood fears against us. Viewers are the victims for sure.

Poltergeist, co-written by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper, was released on June 4, 1982. Along with Robins, the film stars JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, the late
Heather O'Rourke, the late Dominique Dunne, and Zelda Rubinstein. Earning $74.7 million at the U.S. box office, it was the highest-grossing horror film of 1982. For historical context, it came out one week before the Academy Award-winning, box office hit E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which was directed and produced by Spielberg. That was one hot summer at the movies.

Culturally speaking, this scene sealed the deal for all clown-fearing folks. Ask any Gen X adult who lived through watching this movie in theaters, and they're probably not planning to revisit the scene anytime soon—unless it's to pass on the trauma by scaring the next generation (why are we like this?). The scene is so universally awful that it'll still scare the pants of new viewers (hopefully at a more appropriate age than all the young teens who watched in the '80s).

Watch the scary clown scene from Poltergeist (if you dare!):

Watch the Poltergeist trailer:

Of course, we can't talk about Poltergeist without mentioning the mythical "curse" that surrounds the movie, due to some particularly tragic deaths of cast members around the film's release and sequel releases.

This YouTube video covers the gist of that:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RhBySaDZx84

Poltergeist is currently available for streaming via Prime Video, YouTube, AppleTV, and Fandango at Home, where certain fees may apply.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

It'll likely come as no surprise to fans of Iron Maiden that the band's hit 1982 song, "Number of the Beast," off the album of the same name, had two spooky sources of inspiration.

Revolver reported that the bassist and songwriter of Iron Maiden, Steve Harris, revealed a dream regarding Damien -- Omen II, released in 1978, gave him the idea to write the intense lyrics in a 1983 interview. Harris was also quick to dispel rumors that "Number of the Beast" was promoting satanic worship.

"Basically that song is about a dream. It's not about Devil worship," said Harris.

Harris made similar comments about the origin of "Number of the Beasts" during a 2019 Rolling Stone interview. He said that the first Omen movie, released in 1976, and Robert Burns' spooky 1790 poem, "Tam o’ Shanter," both served as inspiration.

"It was things like watching The Omen but it was more inspired by a poem [by Robert Burns] called 'Tam o’ Shanter.' I’ve just always liked reading books and watching horror films," said Harris to the publication.

Vincent Price Could Have Been on the Track

In a 2017 interview with SiriusXM Volume, Iron Maiden's singer Bruce Dickinson revealed that he and his bandmates had wanted horror icon Vincent Price as the narrator for the beginning of "Number of the Beast." However, the band realized they couldn't afford the late actor, who died in 1993 at the age of 82, after they were told, "Mr. Price doesn't get out of bed for less than $10,000."

Dickinson said the band paid Barry Clayton, "an actor who used to read the ghost stories on the radio station in London," $300 to do "the intro voice" instead.

Bruce Dickinson Was Unhappy While Recording the 1982 Hit Song

During a behind-the-scenes interview for Classic Albums, Dickinson revealed he had some difficulty recording "Number of the Beast." According to Dickinson, producer Martin Birch made him record the song's "first four lines" over and over for "about four hours."

"I got so pissed off, I was throwing chairs around. I think at the end, I was like, 'What do you want?' And when he got the one that he wanted, he was like, 'Yeah, that's it.' And I was sort of like, 'Why? Why? I don't understand.' And now, I understand, a little bit better," said the British singer, now 67.

During the Classic Albums episode, Birch explained why he wanted the first four lines of the song to sound perfect.

"I wanted a certain atmosphere to be set up on those four lines," said the producer, who died in 2020.

At long last, Iron Maiden will enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. It’s an honor that’s been a long time coming. The group released their self-titled debut in 1980, and their subsequent albums, Killers, The Number of the Beast, and Piece of Mind, defined heavy metal in the ‘80s.

The group has been going strong ever since, but according to a new interview, lead singer Bruce Dickinson almost bailed at the height of the band’s success. Speaking with The Guardian, Dickinson, 67, revealed that he was burnt out following a grueling 1984 tour in support of the band’s Powerslave album.

“That was definitely a wobble for me,” said Dickinson. “I had no life. It started to feel like a golden cage. And that can’t be right. I started to think: is it worth it? Because I’m young enough to do something else. I was thinking of packing it in to become a fencing teacher.”

“I wanted to walk away, because that’s preferable to losing your soul and everything else that goes with it,” he added. Dickinson was also worried about losing connection with “why I got into music in the first place: because it was a form of dramatic storytelling.”

Dickinson stuck it out for another decade, exiting Maiden in 1993. Bruce saw how grunge-adjacent acts like Soundgarden and Alice In Chains were changing the musical landscape. “ I was looking at it going: are we still on the zeitgeist, or is the Iron Maiden furniture looking a bit faded at this point?” he said.

 “It was a period of reflection and self-doubt. Realizing that I had been in an institution since my early 20s and that I didn’t know how to do anything else outside that institution – I found that absolutely terrifying,” he added. Iron Maiden recruited Blaze Bayley as a vocalist.

The band then released two albums (The X Factor, Virtual XI) that, while appreciated by the devout Maiden fans, struggled to catch fire with the wider metal audience.

Bruce Dickinson rejoined the band in 1999. Maiden has released six albums since, including 2021’s Senjutsu, a commercial and critical success.

Tanya O'Callaghan (L) and Bruce Dickinson perform in concert during Rocklahoma at Rockin' Red Dirt Ranch on August 31, 2025

Photo by Gary Miller on Getty Images

Iron Maiden are part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026, which also includes Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Queen Latifah, Sade, Luther Vandross, Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan, and Joy Division/New Order.

However, Iron Maiden will not attend the induction ceremony.

“As the most observant have already noticed, the band will be on tour in Australia around the November date of the Induction ceremony for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Los Angeles,” said manager Rod Smallwood. “In accepting, Iron Maiden made it very clear to the R&R HoF that the fans always come first and that the shows will, of course, go on.”

However, guitarist Dennis Stratton, who played on the band’s debut, and Blaze Bayley (who subbed in while Dickinson was away), are available. As is Nicko McBrain, who joined in 1982 and retired from touring in 2024.

Related: Ex-New Order Bassist Won’t Reunite With Former Bandmates at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: 'I'm Not Bothered'

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, you've likely heard of Freida McFadden. The New York Times bestselling author—whose real name is Sara Cohen—has published a plethora of wildly popular novels since she released her first book, The Devil Wears Scrubs, in 2013. She has published two main series: The Housemaid series and The Dr. Jane McGill series. Naturally, some readers may wonder how to read all of Freida McFadden's books in order. To help you get started, Parade put together a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the author's books.

Whether you're already a fan of McFadden or you're dying to learn more about her writing portfolio, knowing a little bit about the woman behind the words always helps when you start reading books from a new author. For starters, many readers might not know that she is also a physician who specializes in brain disorders.

In a 2024 interview with The New York Times, McFadden explained how she got her start as an author by writing a very autobiographical novel about a medical resident.

"I thought, maybe I’ll publish this book, maybe a thousand people will buy it, and I’ll be done, end of my author story," she told the publication.

Today, McFadden has a wildly successful career as an author. One of her most-read books, The Housemaid, is even a movie now, too. Below, learn more about her work.

Related: How To Read All of Abby Jimenez’s Books in Order

How Many Books Has Freida McFadden Written?

So far, McFadden has written 30 novels, including two that are being released in May and October 2026.

Additionally, she has published four short stories and novellas, including the following titles:

• The Gift(2022)
• The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie (2024)
• The Housemaid's Wedding(2024)
• Death Row (2025)

What Is the Best Freida McFadden Book To Start With?

On her website, McFadden addressed her readers and offered some advice for reading her books. In an FAQ document, she addressed the following question: "Which of your books should I read next?"

"Absolutely any book you want! Almost all of them are standalone unless they are specifically marked as a series, and even those can be read in any order," she wrote.

Related: 56 Best Sad Books That Will Definitely Make You Cry, According to Librarians

Freida McFadden Books Releasing in 2026

McFadden has had four new releases scheduled for 2026. Here's a full list:

1. 'Dear Debbie' (Jan. 27, 2026)

Dear Debbie introduces readers to a protagonist named Debbie, who writes an advice column. When her own life spirals out of control, she starts to take her own advice and seek payback against several people in her life. (Read the full book description below)

2. ‘The Dinner Party: A Pick Your Poison Adventure‘ (April 4, 2026)

Readers can choose from 22 possible endings in this book. (Read the full book description below)

3. ‘The Divorce' (May 26, 2026)

The Divorce follows Naomi, a woman who's undergoing a divorce. As she becomes fixated on her ex-husband's new girlfriend, Naomi uncovers several secrets and begins to suspect that her life is in danger. (Read the full book description below)

4. ‘The Witch' (Oct. 6, 2026)

The Witch introduces readers to a character named Julia who loses her job and apartment, then returns to her family's estate in Massachusetts. The estate, named Pemberton, has a lot of dark history, and Julia soon learns that it may be haunted. The cover has also not been released at the time of this reporting. (Read the full book description below)

Related: 45 Best Nonfiction Books of All Time, According to Librarians

Freida McFadden Books in Order as Published1. ‘The Devil Wears Scrubs' (2013)

Amazon

Book description: "Newly minted doctor Jane McGill is in hell. Not literally, of course. But between her drug addict patients, sleepless nights on call and battling wits with the sadistic yet charming Sexy Surgeon, Jane can’t imagine an afterlife much worse than her first month of medical internship at County Hospital.

And then there’s the devil herself: Jane’s senior resident, Dr. Alyssa Morgan. When Alyssa becomes absolutely hell-bent on making her new interns pay tenfold for the deadly sin of incompetence, Jane starts to worry that she may not make it through the year with her soul or her sanity still intact."

2. 'Baby City' (2015) by Freida McFadden and Kelley Stoddard

Amazon

Book description: "There are only three things in this world that are certain: death, taxes and babies. Nobody knows this truth better than Emily McCoy, a third-year resident working in Baby City, the affectionate nickname for the busy Labor and Delivery unit at a New York City hospital. On a typical day in Baby City, Emily delivers more babies than the number of hours of sleep she manages to squeeze in that night. And definitely more than the number of dates she's been on since she started her training in OB/GYN two years earlier.

As Emily works tirelessly to safely herald baby after baby after baby (after baby) into the world, she becomes well acquainted with the three hard facts of Baby City: 1) Babies never come when you want them to. 2) Babies always come when you don't want them to. 3) You don't know who your true friends are until your baby is sliding down the birth canal."

3. ‘Brain Damage' (2016)

Amazon

Book description: "After years of hard work, Dr. Charly McKenna finally has it all. Prosperous career as a dermatologist? Check. Spacious apartment overlooking Central Park? Check. Handsome lawyer husband? Double check. Then one night, a bullet rips through the right side of her skull and she loses everything.

As Charly struggles to recover from her brain injury, she begins to realize that the events of that fateful night are trapped in the damaged right side of her brain. Now she must put the jigsaw pieces together to discover the identity of the man who tried to kill her... before he finishes the job he started."

4. ‘The Devil You Know' (2017)

Amazon

Book description: "Dr. Jane McGill is in heaven. She’s got a great job at a VA Hospital, an adorable daughter and a loving husband. Granted, it would be wonderful if her preschooler wouldn’t wake her up at three in the morning, and it would be a miracle if her husband would change the toilet paper roll once every millennium. Still, in most ways, she has the ideal life she’d always imagined.

Then Jane discovers that Dr. Ryan Reilly is the VA’s newest vascular surgeon. Dr. Ryan Reilly, a.k.a. Sexy Surgeon, a.k.a. the biggest jerk she ever loved. A decade ago, Jane broke up with the Sexy Surgeon to marry the Nice Software Engineer, but as cracks and crevices appear in her marriage, she can’t help but wonder what life would have been like if she’d made a different choice. Or if it isn’t too late to change her mind…"

5. ‘The Surrogate Mother' (2018)

Amazon

Book description: "Abby wants a baby more than anything. But after years of failed infertility treatments and adoptions that have fallen through, it seems like motherhood is not in her future. That is, until her personal assistant, Monica, makes a generous offer that will make all of Abby's dreams come true.

But it turns out Monica isn't who she says she is. The woman now carrying Abby's child has an unspeakable secret. And she will stop at nothing to get what she wants."

6. ‘The Ex' (2019)

Amazon

Book description: "Cassie thinks she has met the perfect man. Joel is sweet, handsome, romantic and best of all, he’s crazy about Cassie. She thinks she’s found the guy she’ll spend the rest of her life with. Have children with. Grow old with.

Yes, she knows about his perfect ex-girlfriend, Francesca. The beautiful, brilliant chef, beloved by all his friends. But she thinks Francesca is out of the picture. She thinks Francesca is gone for good. Think again, Cassie."

7. ‘The Perfect Son' (2019)

Amazon

Book description: "Erika Cass has a perfect family and a perfect life. Until the evening when two detectives show up at her front door. A high school girl has vanished from Erika's quiet suburban neighborhood. The police suspect the worst—murder. And Erika's teenage son, Liam, was the last person to see the girl alive.

Erika has always sensed something dark and disturbed in her seemingly perfect older child. She wants to believe he's innocent, but as the evidence mounts, she can't deny the truth—Liam may have done the unthinkable. Now she must ask herself: How far will she go to protect her son?"

8. ‘The Wife Upstairs' (2020)

Amazon

Book description: "Victoria Barnett has it all. A great career as a nurse practitioner. A handsome and loving husband. A beautiful home in the suburbs and a plan to fill it with children. Life is perfect—or so it seems. Then she’s in a terrible accident… and her life is forever changed.

Sylvia Robinson is hired as a caregiver for Victoria. Sylvia moves into a spare room, feeds Victoria, and takes her on long walks. The two women become friends. But as it turns out, this simple nursing job is more than what it seems. As Sylvia and Victoria's friendship grows, Sylvia realizes that Victoria is desperately trying to tell her something. If only she could speak."

9. ‘One By One' (2020)

Amazon

Book description: "A night spent sleeping on dirt and leaves is not how Claire Matchett expected to spend her vacation. She thought this would be a break from the stresses of work and raising her young children. A chance to repair her damaged marriage. A week of hiking and hot tubs with two other couples friends. It sounded like heaven.

Then Claire’s minivan breaks down on a lonely dirt road. With no cell reception, the group has no choice but to hike the rest of the way to their hotel. But it turns out the woods aren’t as easy to navigate as they thought. Hours later, they are lost. Hopelessly lost.

And as they navigate deeper into the woods, the members of their party are struck down mysteriously one by one. Has a wild animal been hunting them? Or is the hunter one of them? But as more time passes, one thing becomes clear: Only one of them will return home alive."

10. ‘Want to Know a Secret?' (2021)

Amazon

Book description: "YouTube baking sensation April Masterson knows the secret to the perfect gooey brownies. Or how to make key lime squares that will melt in your mouth. But if you keep watching her offline, you may find out some other secrets about April. Secrets she’d rather you didn’t know.

Like, where did her son go when he snuck out of the house? What was she doing with the local soccer coach behind fogged windows? And what’s buried in her backyard? Everyone has secrets. Some are worse than others. April’s secrets are enough to destroy her."

11. ‘The Locked Door' (2021)

Amazon

Book description: "Some doors are locked for a reason… While 11-year-old Nora Davis was up in her bedroom doing homework, she had no idea her father was killing women in the basement. Until the day the police arrived at their front door.

Decades later, Nora’s father is spending his life behind bars, and Nora is a successful surgeon with a quiet, solitary existence. Nobody knows that her father was a notorious serial killer. And she intends to keep it that way.

Then Nora discovers one of her young female patients has been murdered. In the same unique and horrific manner that her father used to kill his victims. Somebody knows who Nora is. Somebody wants her to take the fall for this unthinkable crime. But she’s not a killer like her father. The police can’t pin anything on her. As long as they don’t look in her basement."

12. ‘Do Not Disturb' (2021)

Amazon

Book description: "Quinn Alexander has committed an unthinkable crime. To avoid spending her life in prison, Quinn makes a run for it. She leaves behind her home, her job and her family. She grabs her passport and heads for the northern border before the police can discover what she’s done.

But when an unexpected snowstorm forces her off the road, Quinn must take refuge at the broken-down, isolated Baxter Motel. The handsome and kindly owner, Nick Baxter, is only too happy to offer her a cheap room for the night. Unfortunately, the Baxter Motel isn’t the quiet, safe haven it seemed to be. The motel has a dark and disturbing past. And in the dilapidated house across the way, the silhouette of Nick's ailing wife is always at the window. Always watching. In the morning, Quinn must leave the motel. She'll pack up her belongings and get back on the road to freedom. But first, she must survive the night."

13. ‘Do You Remember?' (2022)

Amazon

Book description: "Tess Strebel can’t recognize her own face. She can’t recognize her home. Her bedroom is unfamiliar. And she can’t remember the handsome stranger lying next to her in bed. A stranger who claims he’s her husband. Tess reads a letter in her own handwriting, composed during a rare lucid day, explaining her life as it now exists: She was in a terrible car accident one year ago. Every morning, she wakes up unable to remember most of the last decade. Including her own wedding.

Tess has no choice but to accept her new life and hope her memory will return. After all, why should she doubt the letter she wrote to herself? Or the kind man from the wedding photos on her dresser who seems to genuinely care about her well-being? And then Tess receives a text message on her phone. One that changes everything: 'Don’t trust the man who calls himself your husband.'"

14. ‘The Housemaid' (2022)

Amazon

Book description: "'Welcome to the family,' Nina Winchester says as I shake her elegant, manicured hand. I smile politely, gazing around the marble hallway. Working here is my last chance to start fresh. I can pretend to be whoever I like. But I’ll soon learn that the Winchesters’ secrets are far more dangerous than my own…

Every day, I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor. I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband, Andrew, seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. The walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband.

I only try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out… and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late. But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am. They don’t know what I’m capable of…"

15. ‘The Inmate' (2022)

Amazon

Book description: "There are three rules Brooke Sullivan must follow as a new nurse practitioner at a men’s maximum-security prison: 1) Treat all prisoners with respect. 2) Never reveal any personal information. 3) Never EVER become too friendly with the inmates.

But none of the staff at the prison knows Brooke has already broken the rules. Nobody knows about her intimate connection to Shane Nelson, one of the penitentiary’s most notorious and dangerous inmates. And they certainly don’t know that Shane was Brooke’s high school sweetheart—the star quarterback who is now spending the rest of his life in prison for a series of grisly murders. Or that Brooke's testimony was what put him there. But Shane knows. And he will never forget."

16. ‘Never Lie' (2022)

Amazon

Book description: "Newlyweds Tricia and Ethan are searching for the house of their dreams. But when they visit the remote manor that once belonged to Dr. Adrienne Hale, a renowned psychiatrist who vanished without a trace four years earlier, a violent winter storm traps them at the estate… with no chance of escape until the blizzard comes to an end.

In search of a book to keep her entertained until the snow abates, Tricia happens upon a secret room. One that contains audio transcripts from every single patient Dr. Hale has ever interviewed. As Tricia listens to the cassette tapes, she learns about the terrifying chain of events leading up to Dr. Hale’s mysterious disappearance. Tricia plays the tapes one by one, late into the night. With each one, another shocking piece of the puzzle falls into place, and Dr. Adrienne Hale’s web of lies slowly unravels. And then Tricia reaches the final cassette. The one that reveals the entire horrifying truth."

17. ‘The Housemaid's Secret' (2023)

Amazon

Book description: "It’s hard to find an employer who doesn’t ask too many questions about my past. So I thank my lucky stars that the Garricks miraculously give me a job, cleaning their stunning penthouse with views across the city and preparing fancy meals in their shiny kitchen. I can work here for a while, stay quiet until I get what I want.

It’s almost perfect. But I still haven’t met Mrs. Garrick or seen inside the guest bedroom. I’m sure I hear her crying. I notice spots of blood around the neck of her white nightgowns when I’m doing laundry. And one day, I can’t help but knock on the door. When it gently swings open, what I see inside changes everything… That’s when I make a promise. After all, I’ve done this before. I can protect Mrs Garrick while keeping my own secrets locked up safe.
Douglas Garrick has done wrong. He is going to pay. It’s simply a question of how far I’m willing to go…"

18. ‘Ward D' (2023)

Amazon

Book description: "Medical student Amy Brenner is spending the night on a locked psychiatric ward. Amy has been dreading her evening working on Ward D, the hospital’s inpatient mental health unit. There are very specific reasons why she never wanted to do this required overnight rotation. Reasons nobody can ever find out.

And as the hours tick by, Amy grows increasingly convinced something terrible is happening within these tightly secured walls. When patients and staff start to vanish without a trace, it becomes clear that everyone on the unit is in grave danger. Amy’s worst nightmare was spending the night on Ward D. And now she might never escape."

Related: 21 Books Like ‘Fourth Wing,’ According to Librarians

19. ‘The Coworker' (2023)

Amazon

Book description: "Two women. An office filled with secrets. One terrible crime that can't be taken back. Dawn Schiff is strange. At least, everyone thinks so at Vixed, the nutritional supplement company where Dawn works as an accountant. She never says the right thing. She has no friends. And she is always at her desk at precisely 8:45 a.m.

So when Dawn doesn't show up to the office one morning, her coworker Natalie Farrell―beautiful, popular, top sales rep five years running―is surprised. Then she receives an unsettling, anonymous phone call that changes everything... It turns out Dawn wasn't just an awkward outsider―she was being targeted by someone close. And now Natalie is irrevocably tied to Dawn as she finds herself caught in a twisted game of cat and mouse that leaves her wondering: who's the real victim? But one thing is incredibly clear: somebody hated Dawn Schiff. Enough to kill."

20. ‘The Teacher' (2024)

Amazon

Book description: "Lesson #1: Trust no one. Eve has a good life. She wakes up each day, kisses her husband Nate and heads off to teach math at the local high school. All is as it should be. Except…

Last year, Caseham High was rocked by a scandal involving a student-teacher affair, with one student, Addie, at its center. But Eve knows there is far more to these ugly rumors than meets the eye. Addie can’t be trusted. She lies. She hurts people. She destroys lives. At least, that’s what everyone says. But nobody knows the real Addie. Nobody knows the secrets that could destroy her. And Addie will do anything to keep it quiet…"

21. ‘The Housemaid Is Watching' (2024)

Amazon

Book description: "I used to clean other people’s houses—now, I can’t believe this home is actually mine. The charming kitchen, the quiet cul-de-sac, the huge yard where my kids can play. My husband and I saved for years to give our children the life they deserve. Even though I’m wary of our new neighbor, Mrs. Lowell, when she invites us over for dinner, it’s our chance to make friends. Her maid opens the door, wearing a white apron, her hair in a tight bun. I know exactly what it’s like to be in her shoes. But her cold stare gives me chills…

The Lowells’ maid isn’t the only strange thing on our street. I’m sure I see a shadowy figure watching us. My husband leaves the house late at night. And when I meet a woman who lives across the way, her words chill me to the bone: Be careful of your neighbors. Did I make a terrible mistake moving my family here? I thought I’d left my darkest secrets behind. But could this quiet suburban street be the most dangerous place of all?"

22. ‘Dead Med' (2024)

Amazon

Book description: "When Heather McKinley dreamed of becoming a doctor, she imagined curing sick kids and sporting pink stethoscopes. She never anticipated the sleepless nights, grueling exams and endless labs. And she certainly never knew that her medical school earned the nickname Dead Med thanks to the tragic history of students overdosing on illegal drugs. But Heather would never consider doing anything like that. That is, until her longtime boyfriend dumps her, she finds herself failing anatomy and her world starts to crumble.

Everyone has a breaking point. Then, on the night before the final exam in anatomy, a shot rings out through the hallways of Dead Med. The school has claimed yet another casualty. One of Heather's classmates has done the unthinkable, and before her desperate 911 call even connects, it will happen again. And the night is just beginning."

Related: Librarians Say These 10 ‘Hidden Gem’ Books Are the Funniest Things You’ll Read

23. ‘The Boyfriend' (2024)

Amazon

Book description: "She's looking for the perfect man. He's looking for the perfect victim. Sydney Shaw, like every single woman in New York, has terrible luck with dating. She’s seen it all: men who lie in their dating profile, men who stick her with the dinner bill and worst of all, men who can't shut up about their mothers. But finally, she hits the jackpot. Her new boyfriend is utterly perfect. He's charming, handsome and works as a doctor at a local hospital. Sydney is swept off her feet.

Then the brutal murder of a young woman―the latest in a string of deaths across the coast―confounds police. The primary suspect? A mystery man who dates his victims before he kills them. Sydney should feel safe. After all, she is dating the guy of her dreams. But she can’t shake her own suspicions that the perfect man may not be as perfect as he seems. Because someone is watching her every move, and if she doesn’t get to the truth, she’ll be the killer’s next victim..."

24. ‘The Crash' (2025)

Amazon

Book description: "The nightmare she’s running from is nothing compared to where she’s headed. Tegan is eight months pregnant, alone and desperately wants to put her crumbling life in the rearview mirror. So she hits the road, planning to stay with her brother until she can figure out her next move. But she doesn’t realize she’s heading straight into a blizzard. She never arrives at her destination.

Stranded in rural Maine with a dead car and a broken ankle, Tegan worries she’s made a terrible mistake. Then a miracle occurs: she is rescued by a couple who offer her a room in their warm cabin until the snow clears. But something isn’t right. Tegan believed she was waiting out the storm, but as time ticks by, she comes to realize she is in grave danger. This safe haven isn’t what she thought it was, and staying here may have been her most deadly mistake yet. And now she must do whatever it takes to save herself—and her unborn child."

25. ‘The Tenant' (2025)

Amazon

Book description: "There’s no place like home… Blake Porter is riding high, until he's not. Fired abruptly from his job as a VP of marketing and unable to make the mortgage payments on the new brownstone that he shares with his fiancée, he's desperate to make ends meet. Enter Whitney. Beautiful, charming, down-to-earth and looking for a room to rent. She's exactly what Blake's looking for. Or is she?

Because something isn't quite right. The neighbors start treating Blake differently. The smell of decay permeates his home, no matter how hard he scrubs. Strange noises jar him awake in the middle of the night. And soon Blake fears someone knows his darkest secrets... Danger lives right at home, and by the time Blake realizes it, it'll be far too late. The trap is already set."

26. ‘The Intruder' (2025)

Amazon

Book description: "Who knows what the storm will blow in… Casey's cabin in the wilderness is not built for a hurricane. Her roof shakes, the lights flicker and the tree outside her front door sways ominously in the wind. But she's a lot more worried about the girl she discovers lurking outside her kitchen window. She’s young. She’s alone. And she’s covered in blood.

The girl won't explain where she came from or loosen her grip on the knife in her right hand. And when Casey makes a disturbing discovery in the middle of the night, things take a turn for the worse. The girl has a dark secret. One she’ll kill to keep. And if Casey gets too close to the truth, she may not live to see the morning."

27. ‘Dear Debbie‘ (2026)

Amazon

Book description: "Sometimes, enough is enough… Debbie Mullen is losing it. For years, she has compiled all of her best advice into her column, Dear Debbie, where the wives of New England come for sympathy and neighborly advice. Through her work, Debbie has heard from countless women who are ignored, belittled or even abused by their husbands. And Debbie does her best to guide them in the right direction. Or at least, she did.

These days, Debbie’s life seems to be spiraling out of control. She just lost her job. Something strange is happening with her teenage daughters. And her husband is keeping secrets, according to the tracking app she installed on his phone. Now, Debbie’s done being the bigger person. She’s done being reasonable and practical. It’s time to take her own advice. And now it’s time for payback against all the people in her life who deserve it the most."

28. ‘The Dinner Party: A Pick Your Poison Adventure‘ (2026)

Amazon

Book description: "Choose from 22 possible endings in this Pick Your Poison Adventure story!
You're broke. You have no way to pay your rent and you're about to be evicted. Fortunately, your friend has offered you a job working as a waitress at a dinner party... at an isolated mansion way out on Peyton's Peak. The money will be enough to cover two months' rent and get you back on your feet. It's a golden opportunity that will solve all your problems. But the whole thing sounds really sketchy. The money is great, but there's got to be some sort of awful catch. You should probably turn it down. Right???

As it turns out, the choice is yours. YOU get to decide if you want to go to the creepy dinner party or stay home and read a book. YOU can decide if you want to pick up the disheveled hitchhiker on the side of the highway. YOU can choose to go left or right at the fork in the road. For once, the decision is entirely in your hands. So what are you going to do?????"

29. ‘The Divorce‘ (May 2026)

Amazon

Book description: "What is a happily ever after really worth? Naomi was living the quintessential love story. Boy meets girl. They fall in love, get married, buy a dream house, start a family... Then, he kicks her out, hires the city’s best divorce lawyers, drains their accounts and takes up with a 20-something. It’s a brutal end to the story. Naomi should accept defeat: move into a dingy apartment, get back into the workforce and piece together the shattered remains of her life. Except, why should she?

Instead, Naomi fixates on her husband’s new girlfriend. What begins as cynical curiosity soon twists into obsession—and then into something far darker. As Naomi uncovers secrets she never imagined, she realizes her own life may be in danger. But if it keeps her perfect family intact, isn’t it worth it?"

30. ‘The Witch' (October 2026)

Book description: "Some secrets don't die―they wait. When Julia Barlow loses her job and her apartment, she has nowhere left to go but Pemberton, her family's sprawling seventeenth-century estate in rural Massachusetts. Officially, she's there to check in on her aging grandmother. Unofficially, she's hoping the old house will give her a place to disappear. Instead, Pemberton begins to unravel her.

Every night, the grandfather clock stops at exactly 3:41 a.m. The lights flicker without warning. And a disembodied voice cries for help outside Julia's bedroom door. As Julia digs into the house's dark history, she uncovers the story of a woman executed for witchcraft in 1692―and realizes the past may not be finished with Pemberton yet. When decades of family lies begin to surface, Julia must confront a terrifying truth: Pemberton may be haunted by women whose voices refuse to stay silent."

'The Housemaid' Books in Order

On her website, McFadden explains that the Housemaid books don't technically have to be read in order. However, she notes that the "reading experience is better" if you do read them in order, "since there could be spoilers for the earlier books if you read the later ones first."

With that in mind, the author recommends reading the books in the following order:

1. The Housemaid
2. The Housemaid's Secret
3. The Housemaid’s Wedding (short story)
4. The Housemaid is Watching

McFadden also notes that you can read the short story at the end "as a flashback scene."

Do You Have To Read Freida McFadden's Books in Order?

Since McFadden says "almost all" of her books are standalones, they can be read "in any order," according to her website. Even the books that are part of a series can be read in any order, according to the author.

If you do want to read books that are part of a series in order, McFadden has a printable list of books on her website.

Authors Like Freida McFadden

If you're a fan of McFadden's writing, you may want to get to know a few other authors whose work is equally fascinating. Here are a few to consider:

1. Lisa Jewell

Lisa Jewell is a New York Times bestselling author who has written over 20 novels, including several psychological thrillers such as The Girls, Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs, The Family Remains and The Night She Disappeared.

2. Jeneva Rose

Jeneva Rose is a New York Times bestselling author of 12 novels. Her work includes popular titles such as The Perfect Marriage and The Perfect Divorce.

3. Alex Michaelides

Alex Michaelides' debut novel, The Silent Patient, debuted in the number one spot of the New York Times bestseller list. He's also known for other books, including The Maidens and The Fury.

4. Alice Feeney

Alice Feeney is a New York Times bestselling author whose novels include His & Hers, Sometimes I Lie, Daisy Darker, My Husband's Wife and more.

Up Next:

Related: 27 Books Like 'ACOTAR,' According to Librarians

The Young and the Restless star Joshua Morrow has played Nick Newman since 1994. Now the veteran actor has revealed how he once pitched a crossover with a fellow CBS soap so he can share scenes with his son, Crew Morrow, and says the show’s boss loved the idea.

Morrow shared the story during an appearance on the SOAPY podcast, where he discussed his career and balancing fame with fatherhood.

During the conversation, Morrow spoke about the possibility of crossing over to The Bold and the Beautiful, where his son Crew currently appears.

Morrow said he brought up the idea while vacationing in Monaco where he ran into executive producer and head writer Bradley Bell. “Brad and I have been friends a very long time,” Morrow said. "I love him.”

The actor said the conversation happened shortly after Crew was cast. “I was like, Brad, for all that's holy, please bring me over. I just want to have a scene with my son.”

Crew Morrow at the 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on October 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty Images)

Morrow said Bell responded enthusiastically. “He said it was a great idea! He agreed, ‘Let’s do it!’”

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Morrow then joked that the conversation may have been helped by vacation cocktails. Still, he insisted he was serious about the crossover idea, saying Nick Newman could easily pop over to Los Angeles for a visit, and perhaps stir things up with Steffy Forrester (Jaqueline MacInnes Wood).

Crew joined the cast of Bold and the Beautiful in 2024 as the son of Bill Spencer Jr. (Don Diamont) and Katie Logan (Heather Tom). Since his arrival he has been involved in numerous front burner storylines, including being sexually assaulted by Luna Nozawa  and had a relationship with Electra Forrester and Melissa Dylan.

The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount+.

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount+.

White Castle has been selling sliders since 1921. It’s widely credited as America's first fast-food hamburger chain. It was also the first to sell a billion burgers (in 1961, years before McDonald's), and Time magazine named its slider the "Most Influential Burger of All Time" in 2014. It also has a Hall of Fame — and getting in is not easy.

Since 2001, White Castle's Cravers Hall of Fame has recognized the chain's most devoted fans through an annual induction ceremony. The brand says it receives hundreds of submissions every year, but only about 300 people have ever been inducted. According to White Castle, “It's tougher to get into the Cravers Hall of Fame than it is to get into Harvard.”

So what does it actually take? Fans can apply year-round through White Castle's website or by mail. Each applicant submits a written story about their personal connection to the brand, and entries are reviewed by a panel of judges that includes White Castle team members, partners, and members of the family that still owns the company. According to the official contest rules, entries are scored equally across four categories: loyalty to the brand, creative presentation, originality, and what White Castle calls the "magnitude of your Crave."

Describe White Castle in one word. pic.twitter.com/b1jEoyn1Sg

— Food Crush (@CozycupC6149) April 12, 2026

Earlier this week, People reported that 14 new superfans have been selected for the program's 25th class. The formal induction ceremony is set for Wednesday, April 29, at the company's home office in Columbus. The new members will join a roster that already includes some familiar names: rock legend Alice Cooper, Marvel creator Stan Lee, fashion designer Telfar Clemens, Man v. Food host Adam Richman, and the cast of Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, including John Cho and Kal Penn.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

The people getting inducted this year didn’t take the assignment lightly.

One inductee, Bill Hillegonds of Cedar Lake, Indiana, has eaten at more than 100 White Castles across the country. According to the Chicago Tribune, he once agreed to chaperone a youth group trip to an Ed Sheeran concert — but only after the students showed him a map of every White Castle near the venue. He ended up hitting six locations that night.

The class also includes a mother and daughter who made White Castle their annual Valentine’s Day tradition, two friends who turned their obsession with the chain into a bestselling book, and Elisa Hoffman of Marshall, Texas, who threw her son a birthday party inspired by the iconic Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle order: 50 Sliders, fries, and a drink.

View this post on Instagram

🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳

Each inductee receives a two-day, all-expenses-paid trip to Columbus, complete with meals at White Castle, a headquarters tour, a ceremony in their honor, and a plaque.

Nominations for the 2026 class are already open.

Related: Read Next